The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings opened the 2007-'08 regular-season in London. Previously, the NHL hosted three successful Game One events in Japan in 1997-'98 and 2000.

"It's a definitely a life experience, going over there and playing games," said Panthers coach Pete DeBoer. "And for the veteran guys who have been through the monotony of training camp year-in and year-out, I think it's a nice change.

"We get on the road, do some team building, get some different perspective on it, and hopefully it will kick off a good year."

The Red Wings have not played in Europe in 71 years, since they playing a nine-game post-season series against the Montreal Canadiens in Britain and France.

"The world's best club team is coming to Sweden and Swedish fans will get the chance to see an NHL opener in Stockholm for the second time," said Thomas Johansson, a spokesman for the Swedish co-organizers.

Chicago will be playing in Europe for the first time in 17 years. The Blackhawks played a two-game exhibition series against the Canadiens at London's Wembley Arena in 1992.

The NHL Premiere 2009 series will be the first games ever played outside North America by the Panthers and the first regular-season NHL games played in Finland.